For Beginners to Advanced Dancers
The Asheville Performing Arts Academy partners with the Carpenter Academy of Irish Dance. Classes range from beginners to competition dancers.
Term 1 Schedule
Please note that your dancer's class section must be approved by Ms. Heather. Class sizes are kept small, so classes are divided by the following levels.
Class Schedule & Levels
All dancers are evaluated by our certified staff to determine which class would best suit their needs. Competition level does not determine class placement.
Beginner Soft Shoe
Designed to introduce new students to the unique style of Irish Dance. Students learn basic soft shoe skills and step work.
Beginner 2 / Advanced Beginner Soft Shoe
For dancers with previous Irish Dance experience. Continue building soft shoe skills while learning Intermediate/Advanced level timing.
Advanced Beginner Hard Shoe
Continue building hard shoe skills and technique alongside soft shoe training.
Intermediate / Advanced
For full Novice and Prizewinner Level dancers who have learned Advanced Beginner level skills and can dance full rounds. Emphasis on technique, style, and fitness to help dancers achieve their competitive goals. Oireachtas dancers may be asked to stay late some class periods for extra time on their dances.
New and don't know where to start?
We offer a free trial class for new dancers interested in our beginner class.
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.Meet Your Instructor
Heather Gallagher
A lover of musical theatre and Irish dance, Heather Gallagher brings her unique theatrical creativity to the Carpenter Academy. Her experience in the theatre helps students express themselves through dance in unique ways while also staying true to traditional Irish Dance.
Heather is from Cleveland, OH. She moved to Asheville to attend UNCA where she played soccer (Go Bulldogs!) and graduated with honors with a BA in Psychology. Heather has also been Irish Dancing since the age of 4.
Tuition & Payment
Tuition is billed for the entire year with the option to pay in full or monthly (August through May). Payments include the mandatory workshops hosted by Ms. Heather and Ms. Amanda.
| Class | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|
| Beginner Soft Shoe | $750 |
| Beginner 2 / Advanced Beginner Soft & Hard Shoe | $1,200 |
| Intermediate/Advanced – 1 class/week | $1,470 |
| Intermediate/Advanced – 2 classes/week | $1,920 |
| Workshops Only | $175 |
Payment Terms
- All families must pay a $60 registration fee per family to CAID in addition to their CAID Asheville tuition. Registration fees are non-refundable. Pay registration fee here.
- We accept credit card and automatic payments. You have the option of paying in full or in monthly installments from August–May.
- Tuition, registration fees, workshop fees, competition fees, costume fees, and private lesson fees are non-refundable, non-transferable, and cannot be applied to another service. Tuition is not prorated for student absences.
- To unenroll, contact your instructor via email to receive the Unenrollment Form. A 30-day unenrollment period begins on the date you notify your instructor, and you are responsible for tuition during that period.
- Siblings receive a 10% discount. If your dancer has a sibling interested in lessons this term, please let Heather know.